Subordinating Conjunctions
Phonetics:
səˌbɔːdɪneɪtɪŋ
kənˈdʒʌŋkʃns
Pronunciation:
Conquering Complex Sentences: Subordinating Conjunctions Unleashed
Comprehensive Definition, Description, Examples & Rules
Introduction to Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are a primary type of conjunction that introduces to a subordinate clause. It signals the relationship between the place or time of the main clause and shows the relationship between two clauses involving a transition. The Subordinating conjunction definition is very simple as it defines the relationship between two clauses that transit among their place and time.
Importance
Subordinating conjunctions play an essential role, especially in building the structure of a sentence. The primary importance includes:
- It helps to create and signal a good relationship between the shift in place or time between two clauses.
- It leads to extra information in a simple sentence and turns it into a complex sentence.
- The structure of the sentence is essential, and the subordinating conjunctions add more structure to the sentence making it more informative and meaningful.
Understanding the Meaning of Subordinating Conjunctions
The Subordinating Conjunctions meaning will be a type of conjunction that helps to introduce a subordinate clause to the sentence. The subordinating conjunction helps to connect the clauses of the sentence and turn a simple sentence into a complex sentence. It combines the dependent or subordinate clause with the independent clause of the sentence.
Subordinating conjunctions have an essential role in the dependent clause of the sentence. These are a type of word that links the dependent clause of the sentence with an independent clause that helps to make it a complex sentence. It adds more meaning to the sentence and indicates that the clause has an informative value for the sentence. If there is a shift in the relationship, place, or time between the sentence or the clauses, then you can use subordinating conjunctions to define that.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
There are various types of subordinating conjunctions we will discuss here. All these types have multiple specializations. These are:
Time-related Subordinating Conjunctions
A time-related subordinating conjunction is a type that will connect an action or any event to a point in time. You can also use this phrase to justify a situation that is happening and has relations with time. Examples are: after, once, while, during, and many more.
The time conjunctions help express the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses in the time transition.
The time-related subordinating conjunctions examples are:
- You complete your work while I take a nap.
- You can go home after this class.
Cause and Effect Subordinating Conjunctions
It is a subordinating conjunction that helps to show the relationship of cause-and-effect between the subordinating clause and the main clause. The purpose is to define both sentence clauses, cause and effect. The examples are: because, since, for, as, and many more.
The sentence examples are:
- He didn’t come to school as he was sick.
- I was late to the party because of the drastic weather.
Condition Subordinating Conjunctions
The condition subordinating conjunctions define the dependent clauses under which something might happen or might not happen. These are conditions that the main clause of the sentence shall have. Examples are: if, in case, whether, and more.
The sentence examples are:
- We can go to the match if it doesn’t rain.
- In case you have any problem, can me immediately.
Contrast and Comparison Subordinating Conjunctions
These are subordinating conjunctions that introduce the clauses of contrast. It shows how the dependent clause and the independent clause are different from one another. The examples are: though, even, although, and more.
The sentence examples are
- Although Victor is tired, he is still studying.
- Lucy would rather take the bus than to walk.
Purpose Subordinating Conjunctions
The purpose subordinating conjunctions indicates a proper purpose or reason behind the independent clause and the main clause of the sentence. These help to add more meaning to the main clause of the sentence. The examples are: since, as, because, so, that, and many more.
The sentence examples are:
- It is raining so I won’t attend the tuition.
- She won’t pass this year because of her disease.
Place and Location Subordinating Conjunctions
It is a subordinating conjunction that introduces clauses related to a specific location or place. They can also involve the transition from one place to another between the dependent clause and the subordinate clause. The examples are: where, whenever, after, before, and more.
Sentence examples are:
- You will find me wherever there are cats.
- This is the house where Sania lives.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
As we have already discussed the different types of subordinating conjunctions. The common ones among these are:
- Time-related subordinating conjunctions
- Cause and effect subordinating conjunctions
- Place and location subordinating conjunctions
The primary usage of all these subordinating conjunctions is to signal a relationship of time, place, or a particular cause.
The sentences that demonstrate Subordination are:
- I will not attend the party as I am ill.
- Unless you complete your work, I will leave you.
- Henry trusts Freed because he is a great person.
Mastering Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
There are various ways you can use these subordinating conjunctions in your sentences and have excellent performance. You can follow multiple techniques and avoid certain common mistakes to be more efficient.
Tips and Techniques
The techniques that you can follow are:
Using comma
If a subordinate clause begins the sentence, you need to use a comma to incorporate the subordinate conjunction. If you start your sentence with a subordinating clause, you should end the clause with a comma before writing the main clause.
Use for finality
You use these subordinating conjunctions to control which clause will have more emphasis on the sentence. You need to use the subordinating clause to add more meaning to your sentence and understand where you want to use it.
Common mistakes to avoid
The mistakes that you can avoid are:
- Use a comma if your subordinating conjunction is following your main clause. If you are subordinating a conjunction in the middle of any sentence and it follows the main clause, then you should not separate it with a comma.
- Adding extra conjunctions to your sentence will change your sentence’s meaning and structure.
- Understanding where you must appropriately use your subordinating conjunction to make the sentence more effective.
Comprehensive Subordinating Conjunctions List
The Subordinating Conjunctions list includes:
Time-related | once, after, while, during, before |
Cause and Effect | because, since, for, as, so |
Condition | in case, whether, if |
Contrast and Comparison | rather, even, although, though |
Purpose | because, so, that, hence, |
Place and Location | where, wherever, after |
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Key Takeaways
- The Subordinating Conjunctions help to connect the dependent clause and the independent clause of the sentence.
- It adds more meaning to the sentence.
- It transforms a simple sentence into a complex sentence.
- You are to use commas when beginning with subordinating conjunctions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are various types of subordinating conjunctions, as discussed in the article previously, but the most common ones are:
- Time-related: These are subordinating conjunctions that connect any action or even according to a point in time.
- Cause and effect: This is the type of subordinating conjunctions that determine the cause and effect of the sentence’s main clause.
- Place and location: These subordinating conjunctions are according to a particular place or location related to the main clause.
There are two tips and techniques that you need to follow properly while using subordinating conjunctions. These are:
- Use a comma if your subordinating clause begins the sentence. You need to use the comma when a subordinating clause ends before your main clause begins.
- You should avoid using a comma when you are subordinating conjunction in between the sentence, and it connects with the main clause.
The time-related subordinating conjunctions are a type that helps to connect any event or action according to the point in time. You need to use them based on the time your main clause occurs. The example:
- We can go to a restaurant after work.
The cause-and-effect subordinating conjunction is a type of conjunction that determines the cause and effect of the primary dependent clause of the sentence. The example:
- We cannot reach on time because of the traffic.
A dependent clause is the sentence’s main clause and provides the main idea or information of the sentence. The connection between the subordinating conjunctions and the dependent clause is that the subordinating conjunction links the dependent clause with the independent clause of the sentence.
